HIGHLAND | The Town Council has approved a 10-year tax abatement, opening the door for Volkswagen of Highland to come to town.
It is also relieved that the site, 9545-53-9601 Indianapolis Blvd., will not sit unused after a Toyota dealer makes its move to Schererville.
"That is 450 feet along Indianapolis Boulevard that we do not want to have vacant," Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro said.
The dealership would pay about $257,000 in tax abatement over the 10 years, which would save it about $127,334.
The new business hopes to break ground on building renovations before the cold weather arrives, dealership President Joseph Hoobyar said.
He added that renovations should be complete by spring.
Hoobyar said the dealership wants to be part of the community and last month said $20,802 will be donated to Highland's economic development fund.
In other business, the council said the abandoned Chela’s Mexican Restaurant will soon be torn down.
The building, which sits at the eastern end of Woodland Mall on 45th Street, has become an eyesore since the restaurant moved to Griffith several years ago.
"We went through the legal process" of condemning the building and are making final arrangements with the bank that owns it, said Council Vice President Dan Vassar, D-3rd.
Building Commissioner Ken Mika said contractor bids are going out and the town hopes the building will be gone before the end of the year.
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